Coastal villages reignite Christmas spirit after last year’s floods

Tuticorin/Kanyakumari: After subdued celebrations last year due to devastating floods, the coastal villages in Tuticorin and Kanyakumari are embracing the festive season with renewed hope and resilience. Churches and communities, still bearing the scars of destruction, have come together to rekindle the Christmas spirit with vibrant decorations, determined to rebuild both their traditions and their lives.
For L Kiruba, a 21-year-old mother from Punnaikayal in Tuticorin district, the memory of last year's ordeal is still vivid. "The trauma we endured with our one-month-old baby is fresh in our minds," she said, recalling how Saint Xavier's Church, the heart of Christmas celebrations, stood dark and empty for the first time. "It was heart-wrenching to see the church without lights during Christmas."
This year, however, the village has turned a corner. "We repaired our home, though we lost many belongings in the floods. This Christmas feels special as the whole village is celebrating together again, especially for my daughter, who just turned one," Kiruba said.
The resilience of Punnaikayal's fishing community is echoed by Rubert Peries, a 72-year-old religious headman. "The only solace last year was that there were no deaths in our village. Being a fishing community, we know how to handle floods," he said. Despite the survival, losses were significant. "Everything prepared for Christmas—cribs, garlands, candles, and stars—was washed away. But this year, we're determined to keep the celebrations alive."
Pastor Dimal Dennis Raj of Punnaikayal Church highlighted the symbolic significance of this year's festivities. "Last year, we could only hold a special mass to uplift spirits. Now, we're planning a full-fledged celebration. The 400-year-old church, built by Portuguese missionaries, remains a beacon of hope, and we're grateful it survived the floods."
In Kanyakumari, the recovery is equally poignant. Pastor John Sundar of Kallikuppam Church shared how flash floods last year muted celebrations in many villages. "While some smaller churches are still struggling, this year we've included a special thanksgiving service for aiding our recovery," he said.
Father F Churchill, general secretary of the South Asian Fishermen Fraternity, reflected on the unique challenges faced by the fishing community. "Last year, many couldn't celebrate because fishing activities were disrupted across Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, and Nagercoil. This time, despite heavy rains, we're decorating boats with lights and music, celebrating Christmas at sea—a tradition we couldn't honour last year."
The elaborate "kudil" setups on boats, symbolizing the revival of Christmas joy, are a testament to the community's resilience. "Last year, no boats ventured out for celebrations. This time, we're making up for it with grander decorations and livelier festivities," Father Churchill said. Churches that remained dark now glow with vibrant lights, and sorrowful villages resound with carols and prayers.
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